With the EIC Accelerator pilot, the EC supports innovative and ambitious start-ups as well as small and medium-sized enterprises in the final development steps towards market introduction. Funding is provided, for example, for clinical studies or for work to obtain approvals, for the construction and testing of demonstrators.

What is unchanged?

• Programme open to all topics and industries
• 0.5 to 2.5 million euros funding per project
• 30-page application (similar to a business plan)
• 4 deadlines per year
• 70% Promotion

What's new?

• Additional blended finance option (up to EUR 15 million per project)
• Only individual company funding (partners may be subcontracted if necessary)
• simultaneous submission of the pitch deck for the interview in Brussels
• Due diligence (only when applying for blended finance)

 
With the next deadline on 09.10.2019, the new "SME Accelerator Pilot" will be able to apply for funding of up to 2.5 million euros for the first time and, optionally, up to 15 million euros in blended finance. For projects with a duration of 12-24 months, a 30-page application (similar to a business plan) will be submitted. Successful applicants will be invited to Brussels for a personal interview.

The last application date for the SME instrument Phase 1 is 05.09.2019.